Large marble pillars dominate the entrance to Barclays Bank's
54 Lombard Street headquarters. A crystal chandelier hangs from the
ceiling. And across from the main reception desk, a gently cascading
fountain completes the impression of opulence. Visiting bankers are
ushered to their appointments by liveried porters, their uniforms little
changed from the days of Francis Augustus Bevan who helped found the
bank in 1896 and was its first chairman.
Set in what looks like gold leaf on the floor are three eagles.
They commemorate historic events. The first records the origin of the
black, spread eagle as the bank's symbol. The second marks the
foundation of Barclays' international ventures. And the third
eagle recalls the foundation of Barclays French subsidiary, Cox &
Co., in 1914. From a distance the eagles are impressive emblems of
Barclays' power. But on closer inspection it's obvious the
coloru is fading and the feathers are...
